When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot
and that God had frustrated it,
we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.
Nehemiah 4:15
Life is full of ups and downs. We are in a war. Sometimes we are in the middle of a spiritual battle that is raging. Sometimes we are at peace. From yesterday we saw the challenges that Nehemiah gave to the people when there was an imminent attack. Now we see that because the people were prepared, those who were going to attack went away.
Satan is not afraid to come after us! He went after Jesus! He tried to get Jesus to sin three times in one encounter! (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13) But Jesus was ready for the attack. Jesus had on his spiritual armor! He met the lies of the enemy with truth. He responded to the temptations with the sword of the Spirit – God’s word. He kept on his breastplate of righteousness and did not give in. After three spiritual attacks of temptation, Satan realized that Jesus was aware of his schemes, and Jesus was able to frustrate his attempts, Luke tells us, “…[the devil] left him… until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13)
The apostle Peter puts it this way:
Be alert and of sober mind.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, standing firm in your faith…
I Peter 5:8-9
Yes, life is hard. Yes, the devil only wants to undermine and destroy us. But also, our Heavenly Father only wants to support us and help us – and give good to us!
The devil is like the enemies the people of Jerusalem faced, and like the enemies we face. If we are aware of their schemes and if we are prepared for the battle (by putting on the whole armor of God) then the enemies will realize they have lost their advantage, and will leave us alone. But not forever! The devil is always looking for “an opportune time” to attack.
Are you under attack right now? Call for back up! Get family and friends praying!
Are you at peace right now? Don’t let it lull you into a sense of complacency! Put on the armor of God every day – so that you are able to take a stand!
Pray for the leaders of Crossroads to diligently put on the armor of God everyday as well!
